gemstone
Diamond
Native Carbon (C)
Hardness: 10 Mohs; Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; SG: 3.52
- Hardness
- 10 Mohs
- Color
- Colorless to faint yellow/brown
- Luster
- Adamantine
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 Mohs; Color: Colorless to faint yellow/brown; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; SG: 3.52
Formation & geological history
Formed under extreme pressure and heat deep within the Earth's mantle, transported to the surface via kimberlite or lamproite volcanic pipes over millions to billions of years.
Uses & applications
Primary use in high-end jewelry (engagement rings, necklaces), and industrial applications for cutting, grinding, and drilling due to extreme hardness.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest natural substance known to man. Most natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its brilliance, dispersion (fire), and inability to be scratched by any other material. Commonly found in South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia. In the field, look for octahedral crystals within kimberlite matrix.
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